Paul Broderick hit a total of 1-7 as Carlow recorded their fifth successive league win with victory over 14-man Wicklow at Netwatch Cullen Park on Saturday.

Turlough O'Brien's side led from the first minute when Jordan Morrissey pointed. Wicklow stayed in touch, mainly through points from placed balls, with goalie Mark Jackson raising three first-half white flags.

They were trailing 0-6 to 0-4 on 22 minutes when a short kick-out went wrong and Darragh Foley played in man-of-the-match Broderick, who found the net.

By half-time Carlow led 1-8 to 0-7 and were the dominant force in the second-half, picking off some fine points from play. Wicklow struggled in attack and only two points came out of play from their starting six forwards.

On 53 minutes Wicklow's plight became irretrievable when their centre-back Dean Healy received a straight red card for a rash tackle on Carlow's Brendan Murphy.

Carlow now face two crunch ties, away to Antrim and home to neighbours Laois.

Walsh on song for Laois

Laois 0-17 London 2-9

Gary Walsh kept Laois on course for promotion as they claimed a narrow win in London.

Walsh was the shining light in a dismal attacking display, scoring 0-11 as his team-mates struggled in front of goal. Laois moved in front for the first time on 27 minutes as Walsh kicked four unanswered points, but they trailed by 1-5 to 0-7 at the interval after Liam Gavaghan scored a fantastic goal from the final play.

Walsh fired Laois back in front after the restart, only for them to concede a second goal on 45 minutes as Killian Butler pounced on the loose ball to hit the net.

Laois replied with four successive points, three coming from Walsh, but the game remained in the balance during a tense final quarter.

Just a point separated the teams as the game entered injury time and although Evan O'Carroll doubled Laois' lead, they endured some nervy moments as London pushed for a late winner. The victory keeps Laois level on points with leaders Carlow, who they face on March 25.

"In terms of quality, I'd say Laois are a step above every other team in Division 4," said London manager Ciarán Deely.